Mansion Global

Irish Castle Sells for Above €17.5 Million Asking Price

The estate was inspired by Buckingham Palace

Save

Castletown Cox, a 250-year-old Irish castle inspired by William Winde’s Buckingham House—later known as Buckingham Palace—has sold for more than its €17.5 million (about US$21.5 million) asking price, making it one of the most expensive estates in the country.

The 513-acre property in the county of Kilkenny went into contract in recent weeks, said James Meagher, listing agent and director at Knight Frank, who declined to comment on the parties involved in the transaction and the exact sales price but confirmed that it went for more than asking.

The estate—which first came onto the market last July—is the most expensive residential deal in Ireland since 2014’s sale of Castlemartin Stud in County Kildare for €26.5 million (US$32.6 million), Mr. Meagher said.

The castle was built in 1767 for Michael Cox, the Archbishop of Cashel and the son of Ireland’s then-Lord Chancellor, Sir Richard Cox. Renowned Sardinian architect Davis Ducart took inspiration from the Buckingham House in designing the Palladian-style castle, according to the previous listing with Knight Frank.

"We had a lot of international interest in it," said Mr. Meagher, noting that he thinks the estate will remain as a private home.

From Penta:Royal Diamond for Sale at Sotheby’s Auction in Geneva

The castle has more than 36,000 square feet of living space, featuring 10 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, six reception rooms, a music room, a billiards room, a wine cellar, as well as updated heating and security systems.

"It doesn't feel like a massive place," Mr. Meagher said. "It’s really well designed and appointed, it feels very comfortable."

The seller was reportedly the U.K.-based Magan family. Lord George Magan, former chairman of the British Conservative party, bought the property in 1999 and spent millions to restore the historic castle, according to The Irish Times. It couldn’t be determined from records how much he paid for the property.